The first 2 games out of then have been played in the qualification for Euro 2020! Most people were a little afraid from the game against Russia and did expect an easy victory of Belgium over Cyprus!

The game against Russia was easier than most did imagine. The only thing that did went wrong was the equalizer of Russia. We can blame Courtois 100% for this equalizer but the team just went on as nothing happened and deserved the 3 - 1 victory!

The game against Cyprus was over after 17 minutes when Belgium scored the 0 - 2. After that they just controled the game and the pace of play of the Red Devils dropped!

Let's have a more detailed analysis of the different departments!

Goalkeepers!

If was an obvious choice to start both games with Courtois but I do have question for the next 2 qualifying games this season. Both Courtois and Mignolet are condemned to the bench. The situation for Mignolet is clear, he will not play more than 1 game this season if nothing happens with Allison!

One of the first things Zidane did was to replace Courtois with Navas. Due to the fact that I am not following La Liga closely I have no idea if this swapped is deserved or not. But it appears that Navas will finish the season as first choice. This would result into the fact that both numbers 1 and 2 of the Belgium team are substitutes! Creating opportunities for Selz or Casteels.

I am very curious what Martinez will decide if this situation continues!

Defenders!

Kompany was missing but the most played defenders where there. Verthongen and Alderweireld. Both played excellent games!
Boyata played an excellent game against Russia and did find it strange that he wasn't allowed to play against Cyprus. Why taking a risk with Vermaelen who just did came back from injury!
While I do appreciate Kompany and Vermaelen, Boyota proved that it is maybe time for time to accept a place on the bench and just mentor the younger defenders. It is hard for a coach to count of them with their always increasing injury list!

Also Castagne did an excellent job in both games. It is great to have a backup plan for Meunier, for sure against teams who do like to find the places in the back of the defenders. I still find that Meunier makes to many defensive error because of this too offensive mentality!

Midfield

The midfield which did play against Russia had an average age of only 23 years old! It will be hard to imgaine that Red Devils playing without Tielemans! He did score against Russia his first goal ever for the Belgian National team! I do consider him an improved version of Dembele.

Also Dedoncker proved his place with the Red Devils but it is hard to make a real judgement about his performance. He was mostly unnoticable which is a good thing on his position. This means that he did close a lot of gaps in front of the action taking place. When Belgium was in possesion he did mostly choice the safe options.

On the right side Thorgan Hazard is creating his own name. He is not longer only the brother of Eden. But will probably drop out of the starting eleven when DeBruyne comes back from injury! Carrasco for sure did drop in the picking order, forcing a move to China was not the best decision in his life!

Attack

Batshuayi did score and that was about it! I always have discussions with my friends about the role of Lukaku in the Belgian squad. They have the opinion that the Batsman would do better.
Well both games did prove how tough it is to be the striker in the Belgian Squad. You would think that because they are so many great offensive players that it would be very easy but it isn't! They are always searching the close combinations, trying to cut through the defensive like a hot knife does into butter! Well most of the time, striker are missing some of these qualities!

Eden Hazard. He did score 3 goals in 2 games. He did have his 100th appearance in the shirt of the Red Devils. Is he already the greatest Belgian player ever?
The crowd at least do think that this is the case. Each time Eden touches a ball on the half of the opponent the crowd does expect something magical. These expectation are supported by cheers when he touches the ball. I do think that not having to share the podium with DeBruyne did deliberate him a little bit! An enjoyment to see him playing like this!

Driesje, Driesje, Driesje! Where were you in the past 2 games! A performance over both games below par! There are lot of players who do want to take your place, like Januzaj, Praet and Trossard!

Overal Conclusion

Well I cannot imagine Belgium not qualifying for the Euros! I do think that they will be qualified after probably 7 games. For sure if the other teams keep on sharing the points!

The youngsters did prove that they can fill in the gaps of the key players. Okay, not completly but they showed that the new generation is ready to step up and to enforce the team! This is creates a great situation for Martinez who has multiple options and even can give some players some rest!

Cheers,

Peter